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  Some Design Ideas - Flooring

Choosing Your Flooring

The most commonly used materials for flooring are carpet, wood, vinyl and ceramic tile. There are also some less commonly used alternatives. The look, quality and performance of each material differs greatly. As you select your flooring it is helpful to understand which materials will accommodate each room’s function. Understanding your options will help you make good functional and decorative choices for every room in the house.

Most homes today use a variety of flooring options. Each room serves a different function, so the flooring material you choose should match each room’s function and style. Keep in mind these factors when selecting the flooring for each room: cleaning ability, durability, longevity and moisture resistance.

• Kitchens are high traffic areas prone to dirt, spills and slips. Several flooring options suite kitchen needs. Vinyl is a popular choice because it is easy to clean and has more bounce to help prevent breakage. Tile and hardwood floors are also good options for kitchens.

Vinyl comes in a vast variety of colors and styles. Vinyl is easy to maintain, and is relatively inexpensive. But there are several disadvantages to vinyl as well. Vinyl may show wear after only a few years. Vinyl can easily tear, dent, or come unglued. Many people also dislike the fake-looking patterns and commercial look often associated with vinyl.

• Dining rooms are often seen with wood or tile flooring. Each type is wear resistant, and less prone to stains than the other flooring materials.

Wood floors, once covered by carpet in the early 1900’s have made a strong comeback. Wood flooring can now sometimes be found throughout the home and can provide added benefits and appreciation. Wood floors have a long life, and can be refinished or stained several times. Wood floors are also both elegant and durable and stains can be applied to match any decorating style. The one disadvantage is that a wooden floor may require periodic refinishing.

• Living rooms are often the centerpiece of a home with several different functions from family entertainment to formal receiving. Flooring should match the room’s décor and purpose. Carpet and hardwood floors can oblige both styles of living rooms.

• Bedroom floors are less likely to have traffic concerns than most other rooms in the home. Carpet is the traditional use for bedrooms, but wood and ceramic tiles used in conjunction with decorative rugs are now being used more widely.

Carpet still remains the most popular choice for bedrooms. Carpet flooring is composed of two layers: the top layer called the face pile, and the bottom layer generally called the backing or underfelt. Keep in mind, the heavier the weight of the face pile the more durable and expensive the carpet will be. There are several advantages to carpet. Carpet is comfortable, warm and often the least expensive of all flooring options. There are also disadvantages. Carpeting can absorb moisture, stains easily, and collects dirt, hair etc.

• Bathrooms require waterproof floors in case of overflows. The floor needs to be washable and slip free. Vinyl again is a conventional choice with ceramic tile gaining in popularity.

Ceramic tile is the final common flooring choice. Ceramic tile is a natural product made of clay, minerals and water designed and formed into shapes. The tile's strength is determined by the body’s thickness and structure. Today’s manufacturers are able to produce a wide selection of colors, shapes, sizes and textures. Larger tiles, strips and borders are being used more frequently. Ceramic tile floors can take a tremendous physical beating while maintaining an elegant and stylish look. Durability, ease of cleaning, and a great assortment of colors and styles are a few of the advantages of selecting tile. Tiles are unfortunately relatively expensive, noisy, cold and hard underfoot.

• Stairs and hallways are the final area of the home that needs careful consideration when choosing a flooring material. These areas are obviously going to see a steady steam of traffic, and will require a durable stain resistant floor. Inlaid vinyl, hardwood, and ceramic flooring are great choices for the hallways and stairs.

For more info about NHBRC call (011) 348 5700 or click http://www.nhbrc.org